Oregon regulators approve public solar deals
SALEM, Ore. --Oregon regulators have given approval to deals that help cities, counties and other public entities develop solar energy projects.
The three-way arrangements involve utility companies, energy developers and public bodies.
The upshot is that the public agencies can do things like set up solar panels at water plants and also get the benefit of tax breaks that public agencies normally couldn't get.
But the Oregon Public Utility Commission said Thursday that such deals aren't in conflict with state laws or regulation. And, the commissioners say, the deals are consistent with the Legislature's interest in developing alternate energy. 